Friday, October 14, 2005

The 2006 Democratic Party Proposal of Priorities for America

"the best ideas are common property"Seneca 5 BC - 65 AD

President Bush and the Republicans seem to have lost their way these days. The President and Congressional approval ratings are apparently close to hitting bottom. This development is delighting Democrats when viewed through the periscope of what it may mean in 2006. Democrats may have a historic opportunity to take control of one or both houses of the US Congress in 2006 if the Republicans continue to display cronyism, incompetence and bungling that seems to be daily event these days.

In the 1994 elections for congress the Republicans swept the Democratic Party aside. For the first time in 40 years Republicans gain control of the US House of Representatives and US Senate. Since that time the Democrats have been the minority party, except for a brief period when they barely had control of the Senate, only to lose control again in a subsequent election.

The 1994 victory for the Republicans was due in part to that party’s “Contact With America” theme campaign. Newt Gingrich, the Republican minority leader at that time, promoted the contract’s set of proposals as a list of changes he and his fellow republicans intended to bring about if they were given control of the congress. It played a major part in getting Republicans elected. Even long time Democrat Tom Foley (WA), the House Majority leader, was defeated. It was a dark time for Democrats. who seemed blindsided by the overwhelming success of the Republicans and their use of the contract with America to win seats.

The Republican contract was a loosely worded document and consisted of two major parts. It represented a conservative wish list of items including, ironically in the context of today’s record deficits run up under Republican control, such things as a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget along with such items as taking back our streets, personal responsibility act and American dream restoration act. Democrats founds some of these proposals laughable. But it appears they did touched a cord with the voters when the votes were finally cast.

Many of the items outlined in the contract never did become law even after the Republicans became the majority party. But it certainly achieved it principle objective in that it clearly framed the Republican candidates position on the important issues of the day, and drew clear distinctions about what the Repubican party supposedly stood for against the Democrats who took the Republican tactic pretty much for granted. As a public relations election tool it was a total success. It got Republicans elected in overwhelming numbers that November.

The Democratic Party has an excellent opportunity to turn the tables on the GOP in 2006. But it still will not be easy. Democrats must also be prepared to offer Americans clear alternatives and choices. It may not be enough to just run on Republican failures and mistakes if the Democrats expect to win back the congress.

I think it is time the Democrats also propose a contract with America outlining the specific changes they will attempt to bring about if the voters once again give them control of the US congress.

To help jump-start this process I propose the following “ The 2006 Democratic Party Proposal of Priorities for America”, not necessarily listed in order of importance.

Capture Osama Bin Laden

Strengthen and protect America against terrorists

Set time table for withdrawal of American troops from Iraq

Universal healthcare for all Americans

Fix Social Security and Medicare

Balance the federal budget

Tax reform Aimed at helping working families

Strengthen laws that protect civil liberties and privacy

Make America energy independent within 20 years

Tougher vehicle gas mileage standards within 5 years

Strengthen environmental protections

Cut government red tape and waste

Call for an international summit on proplems in the Middle East

Better Prepare Federal Government to handle natural and other Catastrophes

Strengthen rules and enforce penalties for Congressional ethics violations including expulsion and demand integrity in government

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